A Devotional Thought From Daniel

…to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.     Daniel 4:17

It was a fantastic dream and interpretation. The mightiest King in the world dreamed he was a tree that was cut down leaving only a stump. That put in motion a most unusual historic event: Nebuchadnezzar’s being removed from his throne because his heart and mind became those of an animal. Instead of recognizing that the God of heaven had given him his great dominion and clout, Nebuchadnezzar claimed that he had done it all by his own strength and power. God decided to make an example of him. For about 3½ years, according to scholars, Nebuchadnezzar crawled on all fours and ate grass like an animal. His hair grew so long it looked like bird’s feathers on his head, and his finger nails grew into human claws. Needless to say, he could not rule and he was removed from the throne.

Amazingly, it was a temporary removal. Amazing because kings in those days had a palace guard to protect them, a food taster to make sure they weren’t poisoned, and probably slept with a dagger under the pillow for immediate self-defense if necessary. There was always someone looking to dispatch the monarch and take his place, or like a puppet master put their own man in his place. If a king became physically ill or too old he might be comfortably retired (if not killed) and, of course, the same would occur if an emperor lost his mind and began living like an animal. So when Nebuchadnezzar lost his mind, what you would have thought would happen was: sayonara, so long, goodbye, resize that crown for the new king, lock the old king up, cut his throat, bury him deep, hail to the new king. But that’s not what happened, not by a long shot. After more than three years of supernaturally imposed insanity, God gave Nebuchadnezzar his mind back, and Nebuchadrezzar was restored his crown, throne, and kingdom.

How did such an unlikely thing happen? God made it happen to show that he is the ruler of all the kingdoms of men in this world, and he sets upon the throne whoever He will. It’s a message to leaders in all the world. No matter how powerful and cruel, and invincible you may think you are God can remove you. So you kings, and presidents, and prime ministers, and such people of power if you wish to extend your rule be of service to the God of Heaven. Do what He demands of government which is be His servant to do good, and give Him glory not yourself!